Anxiety grows among California Democrats as gubernatorial candidates rebuff calls to drop out
Los Angeles Times • • general
Key Points:
- Despite a plea from California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urging underperforming candidates to drop out of the crowded governor’s race, all but one of the top Democratic hopefuls have ignored the request, raising concerns about splitting the Democratic vote in the June primary.
- Party leaders fear that the large Democratic field could allow two Republicans to advance to the November ballot, potentially resulting in a Republican governor for the first time since 2006; only former Assemblyman Ian Calderon withdrew and endorsed another candidate.
- Candidates and strategists note the limited influence of party leadership in modern politics, with many Democrats feeling confident to stay in the race due to the party's strong voter registration advantage and control of statewide offices in California.
- The gubernatorial candidates largely
